The challenge is to create a finished tree starting from scratch In this series we look at creating bonsai from cuttings, grafting and other methods using interesting and unusual species. With the help of illustrations,...

In May and June you can enjoy the fibrant colours of Satsuki azalea (Rhododendron indicum) blossoming. There is a massive amount of cultivars and therefore a big choice in various colors and pattern of flowers....

Reworking a small juniper Alexandre Escudero is crazy about shohin bonsai. At the nursery of his teacher Hiroyuki Tanibata, he found a little gem of a juniper. Let’s together find the beauty lost on this...

Janine Droste revisits the Mecca of satsuki bonsai If you say Kanuma you at once think of satsuki. Satsuki, or Rhododendron indium, is one of the most popular bonsai varieties cultivated in Japan. Needless to […]

Jan Culek sketches options for a juniper Although it seemed completely wired and styled, this juniper still looks like a wild bush. What it needs is a totally different approach to get it just right. […]

Everything beautiful inspires Walter Venne For Walter Venne every bonsai exhibition is like a gallery where an artist can exhibit their work. Through such exhibitions Walter’s pots have found their way into the hands of […]

Paolo Nastasi travelled to the land of the rising sun to deepen his knowledge Years ago there was no tradition of going to Japan to improve one’s knowledge. However, times have changed… Taisho-en, run by...

Angkor Wat inspired Jerome Kellerhals to create a ‘root over statue’. Jerome guides you through the techniques of wiring, defoliating, pruning, repotting and maintenance to achieve denser foliage and smaller leaves on a Ficus. This...

Grow ’em yourself right from the start. The challenge is to create a finished tree starting from scratch. In this series we look at creating bonsai from cuttings, grafting and other methods using interesting and...

Solving the problems on a satsuki azalea Osamu Fukudate’s (Shunkaen Bonsai Museum) first entry into the Sakkafu-ten received the Satsuki award. He also won recognition from the judges at the 43rd Nippon Bonsai Sakkafu-ten. As...

Thread and approach grafting new roots to improve the nebari: Harry Harrington guides you through Many enthusiasts would like to improve the nebari of their bonsai. By using thread grafting and approach grafting techniques this...

As bonsai the Ficus is just greatFigs are keystone species in many tropical forest ecosystems. Figs have figured prominently in some human cultures, such as Buddhism, objects of worship and many practical uses. For bonsai...

If the branches only have twigs at the tips it is time for drastic measures. Andrea Meriggioli, author of ‘Bonsai Maples’, explains how to create a denser ramified maple using graft techniques A Japanese maple...

The challenge is to create a finished tree starting from scratch In this series we look at creating bonsai from cuttings, grafting and other methods with interesting and unusual species. With the help of illustrations...

A graphics designer becomes a bonsai Master, which, in short, is the story of Naoki Maeoka. Having graduated from the Kouka-en nursery, he now finds his way in world of international bonsaiNaoki Maeoka (46) isn’t...

Christophe Hager’s spruce was a sensation at the Mulhouse BCI of 2018 A spruce from the mountains had much potential and was growing with great fervour. However, when its design became dull Christophe sought a...